Short answer
Powerade is meant for athletes who are engaged in a lengthy and intense workout. It is not intended for nor is it suitable for anyone else. If you are sedentary, then Powerade may have serious negative consequences.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
If you are planning on drinking Powerade just because you are thirsty and want something to wash down your lunch, you may want to reconsider that decision. Powerade is designed for athletes, and specifically for those who have been engaged in intense, sweat-producing activity for an hour or more. For such people, Powerade provides calories needed for energy (around 300 kcal per 32 oz bottle), sodium for electrolyte replenishment, and carbohydrates in the form of glucose and maltodextrin for replacing glucose lost during intense workouts - thus boosting hydration and keeping you from getting fatigued. Powerade also contains three B-vitamins: vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 - all of which are involved in energy metabolism.
Note, however, that drinking Powerade for the sake of quenching thirst can actually turn the above-mentioned benefits into negatives. The amount of calories and sugar in Powerade can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Excess amounts of sodium carry with it the risk of causing hypertension, kidney, and liver damage - and in the most extreme cases, heart attack, stroke (especially when large amounts of sodium are being consumed every day).
Furthermore (this applies to athletes as well), Powerade contains sucralose, acesulfame K, and artificial colors - all of which are suspect and come with their own laundry list of potential side effects. Just to name a few, sucralose has been linked to dizziness, migraines, and blurred vision, and artificial colors have been linked to cancer, hyperactivity, and a loss of concentration. Most of these side effects only come from long-term consumption of these ingredients, however, it is still important to be aware.
If you are an athlete who has been engaged in an intense workout for over an hour, Powerade can indeed help replenish your energy in ways that water alone cannot. Aside from that, Powerade should be avoided entirely.
Possible short-term side effects
- hyperactivity (especially children)
-
headache
-
blurred vision
-
blood sugar spike
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
-
diabetes
-
various forms of cancer
-
heart disease
-
kidney failure
-
liver damage
-
eroded tooth enamel
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- replenishes electrolytes lost during intense exercise
- boosts energy
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
NOOMA Organic Electrolyte Drink
- Organic hydration
- Coconut water base
- No added sugar
- Low-calorie drink
- Naturally electrolyte-rich
Learn More!
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Approved by 
